The most relevant point that Shirky brings up is how new media has opened up the channel of communication. Whereas previously information flowed only one way, i.e. TV, film, print, the internet has allowed those that consume that information to respond. Unlike radio, in which listeners have to call in at the right time to voice their thoughts, there are little constrictions to voicing your opinion on the internet.

The internet has opened up a whole new level of choice for the consumer of information. You can choose what you want to digest and when you want to digest it. You can also choose the level of participation. The internet throws out all conventional notions of organization. As Shirky points out, there is a lack of management of the internet and one can contribute as much or as little as they want to it without consequence or reward. The internet is also one of the few places where one can communicate with someone famous, with the possibility of them communicating back.

The internet can also turn its users into pseudo inquisitive journalists for day. In the example of the stolen sidekick and Wikipedia, Shirky points out that users are now using the internet as an open medium, where they can publish information, thus making them journalists in a way. Shirky also points out how simple it is for a user to gather a large group of people and direct them towards a specific cause. As shown with the stolen sidekick example, the internet can be a powerful media tool that, if used in the right way, can solve all of your problems.